High Court upholds UBF authority over professional and amateur Boxing
Justice Namanya upheld UBF's preliminary objection, ruling that the matter had been overtaken by events and that the UPBC application had consequently become nugatory and invalid.
UBF President Moses Muhangi. File photo
The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application by the Uganda Professional Boxing Commission (UPBC) seeking to restrain the National Council of Sports (NCS) from granting the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) full authority to govern both professional and amateur boxing in Uganda.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, September 7, 2026, at Twed Towers, High Court Justice Bernard Namanya dismissed the UPBC application after finding that the action sought by UPBC had already taken place before the matter came up for hearing.
Justice Namanya upheld UBF's preliminary objection, ruling that the matter had been overtaken by events and that the UPBC application had consequently become nugatory and invalid.
Citing one of the respondents' affidavits, Namanya noted that since the 2023 National Sports Act gives NCS full authority to clear, handle, and sanction all boxing events, whether professional or amateur, the court found UPBC's argument that UBF's mandate is restricted to amateur or Olympic boxing unsubstantial, leading to the dismissal of the application.
The ruling is the latest development stemming from a long-term dispute between the two boxing bodies, UPBC and UBF, over which body is legally mandated to regulate and administer professional boxing in Uganda under the 2023 National Sports Act Cap 151.
The dispute dates back to July 20, 2026, when NCS approved the issuance of a certificate of operation to UBF, effectively recognising it as the sole governing body for boxing in the country.
UPBC, led by its Lead Counsel Peter Lubuulwa, subsequently filed its application in court on July 30, 2026, challenging the NCS decision and seeking to block the federation from assuming full control of the sport.
UBF, as the fourth respondent of the nine respondents, filed its defence through its Lead Counsel Phillip Munaabi.
Other respondents included the Attorney General, Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, NCS, NCS board members, NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya, NCS General Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel, NCS Counsel Diana Kwesiga, and UBF President Moses Muhangi.
Under the 2023 National Sports Act, only a sole federation is mandated to run a single sports discipline, as stipulated under Sections 7(2) and 16(d) and (e), respectively, provisions that UBF has relied on in asserting its authority over boxing.
Following the ruling, UBF President Moses Muhangi welcomed the court's decision, describing it as a major milestone for Ugandan boxing.
"Finally, boxing has won. I commend Justice Namanya, for he has not only stood with the truth but has also saved our sport from scavengers."
Muhangi added that UBF's next step will be to work with NCS to streamline professional boxing in Uganda in accordance with the 2023 National Sports Act.
The ruling also paves the way for UBF and the NCS to proceed with efforts to establish a unified regulatory framework for both professional and amateur boxing in the country.